Antique Japanese Gourd Shaped Container - 1980s Showa Era (25D-405-5)

Antique Japanese Gourd Shaped Container (SKU 25D-405-5)

Glossy, richly stained hyōtan-style container with auspicious red-and-white cord

This elegant gourd-shaped container is crafted in the traditional Japanese hyōtan form, long associated with good fortune, protection and safe travels. The natural gourd has been carefully hollowed, dried and finished with a deep translucent lacquer-like coating that highlights the organic grain and knots of the surface, giving it a warm, amber-red glow.

A contrasting red-and-white braided cord is attached at the neck, echoing colors used in shinto celebrations and New Year decorations, making this a charming accent for a tokonoma alcove, tea room, or entryway. Whether displayed alone or as part of a grouping of Japanese antiques, this vintage piece brings a refined, folk-craft presence to any interior.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Showa Era
• Material: Natural gourd with stained and sealed surface; fabric cord
• Use: Decorative hyōtan container or display object
• Features: Traditional gourd shape; glossy reddish-brown finish revealing natural grain; auspicious red-and-white hanging cord; subtle surface irregularities and pinholes characteristic of hand-finished Japanese gourds
• Dimensions: 5 1/2" Diameter x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent, with minor natural variations to the gourd surface

A timeless Japanese accent piece that embodies the simple beauty and good-luck symbolism of the classic hyōtan gourd.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.